Tiruchirappalli | Delhi NCR, India

SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tiruchirappalli (SRMIST Trichy), one of the leading engineering institutions in India and Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster a collaborative ecosystem that promotes engineering innovation, skill development, startup incubation, and local research. This collaboration aims to leverage Dassault Systemes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform and technology expertise to equip students, faculty, and early-stage entrepreneurs with industry-relevant digital skills and applications.

From left to Right: Dr. Shivakumar R., Chairman, SRM Group of Institutions, Chennai Ramapuram and Tiruchirappalli and Deepak NG, MD India, Dassault Systemes

The MoU focuses on facilitating the creation of an industry-ready, skilled workforce by integrating advanced design and engineering applications into academic and training programs, equipping students with relevant digital competencies. In addition, it supports the incubation of student- and faculty-led startups that are working on the development of innovative products and processes, thereby contributing to India’s growing engineering and manufacturing ecosystem.

SRMIST, Trichy and Dassault Systemes signs MoU

The initiative will drive R&D within the institute, focusing on the design of local technologies, systems and equipment in alignment with India’s long-term goals of innovation and self-reliance. Another objective is to promote research and development initiatives that focus on the local design of technologies, systems and equipment, aligning with the country’s long-term innovation and self-reliance goals.

Dr. Shivakumar R., Chairman, SRM Group of Institutions, Chennai Ramapuram and Tiruchirappalli, said “At SRMIST Tiruchirappalli, we are committed to nurturing a generation of innovators who are equipped not just with academic knowledge but with the application and mindset to solve real-world challenges. This collaboration with Dassault Systemes opens new avenues for our students and faculty to engage with advanced digital technologies, pursue cutting-edge research, and build impactful startups. It marks a significant step forward in aligning education with the needs of tomorrow’s industries.”

“Our collaboration with SRMIST Tiruchirappalli reflects a shared vision to empower young minds with digital design applications and industry-relevant insights, enabling them to drive innovation from the classroom to the marketplace. Through this MoU, we aim to provide access to advanced digital technology platforms, fostering research and supporting startups at every stage from idea to execution,” said Deepak NG, Managing Director, India, Dassault Systemes.

• Two-thirds of managers feel privacy is their most important need in the office, a challenge compounded by outdated workplace layouts.

• Steelcase’s new modular system, Be my guest by Orangebox, a Steelcase independent subsidiary, helps organisations close the privacy gap.

According to new research from Steelcase, a global design and thought leader in the world of work, privacy has emerged as the top need in the workplace, especially for middle managers.

Steelcase launches Be my guest, a new modular privacy solution by Orangebox

Serving as the critical bridge between leadership and teams, middle managers are juggling the pressure of hybrid work, back-to-back meetings, and constant digital collaboration. Yet, 69% say they don’t have access to the privacy they need. Two-thirds also rank privacy as their most important workplace need, yet senior leaders place it only fourth, behind collaboration, wellbeing, and focus – revealing a significant misalignment that leaves many managers overextended and under-supported.

Moreover, middle managers are just as likely to be in meetings as senior leaders, yet they are significantly less satisfied with their ability to focus or collaborate effectively at work. When there are no nearby private areas, 50% of people resort to staying at their desks for video calls, leading to frequent interruptions, fatigue, and reduced productivity.

These challenges are compounded by outdated workplace layouts. As people returned to offices post-pandemic, workspaces remained largely unchanged or had shifted further toward open collaboration at the expense of quiet zones. Assigned desks were sometimes removed to make room for more communal areas, further reducing access to private or enclosed environments. With 56% of meetings now including remote participants, the need for privacy has increased.

According to industry reports, as of 2024, 12.7% of full-time employees in India work from home, while 28.2% follow a hybrid model. By the end of 2025, it’s projected that 60 to 90 million Indian employees will work remotely or in hybrid setups. This growing shift reinforces the need for workplaces to evolve beyond traditional layouts and better support hybrid teams, through more adaptable and private environments.

To help close this gap, Steelcase announces the launch of Be my guest, a new modular privacy solution by Orangebox designed to meet the demands of hybrid work environments in Asia. With quick assembly, scalability, and multiple configurations, the system is designed to act as a sanctuary in a busy workplace. Be my guestaddresses fundamental employee needs and frees up meeting rooms.

Be my guestdelivers workplace flexibility through three configurable components: the Acoustic Booth, which creates a sound-shielded environment perfect for hybrid meetings and focused calls; the Connect Booth, which establishes visual boundaries that provide personal space while maintaining team connection – a feature that is particularly relevant for global in-house centres across India; and the Connect Canopy and Wall, which transforms any area into a semi-private retreat for quiet work or spontaneous collaboration.

Be my guest empowers teams to seamlessly transition between collaborative and independent work.

In India, where global organisations are scaling backend operations, Be my guest supports high-performance teams with flexible, hybrid-ready solutions. It offers rapid deployment and global design standards, helping companies create more productive and engaging environments.

Tirthankar Basu, Managing Director India & SAARC at Steelcase said, “Privacy is a fundamental need in today’s workplace for better employee wellbeing and engagement. As hybrid work blurs the lines between collaboration and concentration, many organisations underestimate the importance of private spaces.”

With clean lines, refined proportions, and carefully curated finishes, Be my guest brings a timeless, intentional design sensibility to the workplace. Each configuration, whether fully enclosed, semi-open, or a canopy, offers acoustic and visual separation without disconnecting users from the workplace around them.

Be my guest is now available in India, China, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, and Malaysia, through Steelcase WorkLife locations and dealer partners.

About Steelcase
Steelcase is a global design and thought leader in the world of work. For over a century, we have designed, manufactured and partnered with leading organizations worldwide to create furnishings and solutions for the many places where work happens – offices, homes, and learning and health environments. Through our research, we deliver insights and design innovation that create better outcomes for our customers around the world. Our solutions are brought to life through our dealer community, Steelcase store and retail partners. And because we’re dedicated to doing our best work for the places we all share, we come together for people and the planet – using our business to help the world work better.

The Construction Federation of India (CFI), a premier industry body representing India’s leading infrastructure and civil construction firms, successfully hosted its Flagship Conference 2025 on June 20 at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi. Themed “Redefining India’s Infrastructure Growth: Next-Gen Solutions for a Viksit Bharat,” the conference served as a high-impact platform for strategic dialogue, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, experts from global institutions, academia, and thought leaders to shape the future of Indias infrastructure landscape.

Lamp-lighting ceremony at CFI’s conference on “Redefining India’s Infrastructure Growth” held on 20th June 2025 at Le Meridien, New Delhi

Founded in 2000, CFI continues to play a pivotal role in enabling India’s infrastructure transformation through sustainable development, policy advocacy, and collaborative innovation.

Eminent panellists deliberating at CFI’s event “Next Gen Solutions for a Viksit Bharat” held on 20th June 2025 at Le Meridien, New Delhi

Inaugural Address: Vision for a Future-Ready India

In his welcome address, Mr. Vinayak Pai, President of CFI, emphasized the significance of the sector in nation-building and urged for greater collaboration to address ongoing industry challenges such as project delivery predictability, financing hurdles, safety, and technology adoption and help in driving transformational changes in the sector. He emphasized that every stakeholder has a crucial role in bringing the industry up to speed with other sectors and making it more technologically advanced and sustainable, ultimately contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

“India stands at the cusp of unprecedented infrastructure transformation. Our deliberations today will lay the groundwork for a resilient and future-ready infrastructure landscape – one that drives job creation, economic growth, and a better quality of life, in line with our national aspiration of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” Mr. Pai remarked.

Special Address by Dr. Surendra Kr Ahirwar

Dr. Surendra Kr Ahirwar, Executive Director (Traffic Commercial – Rates), Ministry of Railways, Government of India, commended CFI for curating a theme aligned with national priorities. He underscored the transformative role of the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, especially its geospatial platform for integrated infrastructure planning. Dr. Ahirwar advocated for infrastructure with a longer lifecycle and enhanced planning frameworks for sustainability and longevity. He emphasized on the critical role CFI has to play in the infrastructure development of the country.

Conference Highlights: Thought-Provoking Panel Sessions

Panel Session I – Emerging Trends in Infrastructure: The 4S Framework – Scale, Safety, Sustainability,Speed included deliberations from panelists – Mr. Rajiv Dhankher – Director (Project & Planning), DMRC, Mr. Rajan Sharma – Sr. Vice President, J Kumar Infraprojects, Mr. Vivek Agarwal – Partner & Public Infra Head, KPMG India, Mr. Saurabh Sood – Senior Transport Specialist, The World Bank and Moderated by Dr. Anil Kashyap, Director General, NICMAR

Key Insights: Mega-projects demand robust capacity building and integration of such challenges into academic curricula; Adoption of pre-cast technologies and sustainable materials will accelerate project execution and meet climate goals; Safety education must be institutionalized in construction training; Coordination and supply chain resilience are critical to effective delivery.

Panel Session II – Powering India’s Energy Transition: Towards Cleaner, Self-Reliant Energy included deliberations from panelists – Mr. Raj Kumar Chaudhary – CMD, NHPC Ltd., Mr. Venkat Muvvala – President & CBO, Jakson Infra, Mr. Ravichandra Reddy G – JGM & Head Operations East, L&T Renewable IC, Mr. Anindya Chowdhury – Former Country Head, Energy Transition, Shell India, Mr. Rohit Kumar – Partner, Deloitte and Moderated by Dr. Rajat Kathuria, Economist and former Director, ICRIER

Key Insights: India’s energy transition is central to achieving Paris Agreement goals and a Viksit Bharat; Urgent investment needed in storage solutions (battery & pumped hydro) to enable renewables; Transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure remains a critical bottleneck; Financial de-risking through blended finance and policy clarity essential for investor confidence; A self-reliant, indigenous approach to energy transition was emphasized involving upskilling of people, leveraging technology while raising awareness across the value chain.

Panel Session III – Industry 4.0: Digital Infrastructure, Semiconductors & Battery Manufacturing included deliberations from panelists – Mr. Makrand Dixit – Head Projects (Fab), Tata Electronics, Mr. John Sandeep – Sr. Chief Engineering Manager, L&T Construction, Mr. Anil Relan – Sr. VP, Jacobs Engineering India, Mr. Annurudha Kshatriya – GM, Invest UP, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, Ms. Sanna Arora – Vice President, Labotek Technologies and Moderated by Mr. PVG Menon, Former CEO, Electronics Sector Skills Council

Key Insights: India is witnessing a rapid rise in semiconductor demand, driven by AI, ML, and data sovereignty; States are offering customized incentives to complement central government’s semiconductor mission; The industry is embracing green energy and resource-efficient technologies to support sustainable operations; Skill development and global benchmarking are critical as plants being developed match international standards. Panel stressed on developing more prominent ecosystem of speciality chemicals and equipment in the country to enable quality and faster development of such mega facilities.

Closing Remarks by Ms. Preiti Patel, Treasurer, CFI

In her concluding address, Ms. Preiti Patel extended heartfelt thanks to all panellists, delegates, government officials, and partners for their contributions. She announced the upcoming launch of the CFI White Paper on “Policy Advocacy Issues Impacting the Infrastructure Construction Sector”, scheduled for September-October 2025.

“Our discussions today reflect the strength, unity, and vision of the infrastructure sector. With innovation, shared purpose, and continued policy support, we are poised to redefine India’s development trajectory,”Ms. Patel said.

About the Construction Federation of India (CFI)

Established in 2000, the Construction Federation of India (CFI) is the apex industry association representing the country’s leading civil engineering and construction companies, along with key ancillary players across the infrastructure construction ecosystem. CFI members are at the forefront of delivering transformative projects across vital sectors-including highways, bridges, tunnels, power plants, ports, airports, metro systems, and other nationally significant assets.

Recognized as a trusted voice of the industry, CFI collaborates closely with government ministries, regulatory bodies, policy think tanks, and international partners to advance a sustainable, future-ready infrastructure agenda. The Federation leads proactive efforts in policy advocacy, regulatory reform, and the integration of advanced technologies to improve project execution and sectoral efficiency.

With a strong focus on innovation, knowledge-sharing, and skill development, CFI plays a pivotal role in building India’s infrastructure capabilities-aligning with the national vision of a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive India on the road to Viksit Bharat by 2047.

In a landmark development poised to transform cancer care access and outcomes across Northeast India, the International Oncology Cancer Institute (IOCI) India, in strategic partnership with ILS Hospitals, today officially inaugurated its state-of-the-art comprehensive cancer centre in Agartala, Tripura. The prestigious launch event was graced by the Honourable Chief Minister of Tripura, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s healthcare landscape. This cutting-edge facility, the first of its kind in the corporate sector in Northeast India, is set to deliver world-class diagnostic, treatment, and support services, ensuring that the people of Agartala and its adjoining regions have access to the highest standards of cancer care without the need for extensive travel.

Hon CM Dr. Manik Saha, Dr. Madhur Garg, and Dr. Pramod inaugurate the International Oncology Institute in Agartala, lighting the diya

This collaboration brings together IOCIs expertise in advanced oncology and ILS Hospitals established regional presence and commitment to quality healthcare. ILS Hospitals, Agartala, is a pioneering healthcare institution that was conceived with the support of the Government of Tripura in July 2008. As a leading medical facility in the region, ILS Hospitals takes immense pride in offering a wide range of healthcare services that consistently meet international standards. This partnership with IOCI significantly enhances their oncology offerings, creating a formidable force in regional cancer management.

The inauguration signals a monumental leap forward in addressing the critical need for advanced oncology services in a region where quality cancer treatment has historically been a significant challenge. IOCI’s Agartala centre, within the ILS Hospitals premises, is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by a dedicated team of oncology specialists, offering a holistic approach to cancer management that spans diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing patient support. This integrated model is designed to provide seamless care, significantly improving patient comfort and treatment efficacy.

A testament to its immediate impact and the urgent need it addresses, the IOCI Agartala centre has already demonstrated remarkable efficiency and patient trust, having successfully conducted over 300 PET CT scans within a mere six-month period prior to its official radiotherapy launch. This impressive achievement underscores the centres operational readiness and the communitys swift adoption of its advanced diagnostic capabilities, providing crucial early detection and staging information for numerous cancer patients.

Todays launch ceremony prominently featured the unveiling of the centres advanced Radiotherapy machine, the ELEKTA SYNERGY, a global benchmark in precision radiation therapy. This sophisticated technology empowers oncologists to deliver highly targeted radiation with unparalleled accuracy, minimizing damage to healthy tissues and reducing side effects, thereby enhancing patient quality of life during treatment. Complementing this, the centre has also introduced a dedicated chemotherapy daycare, offering a comfortable and supportive environment for patients undergoing intravenous chemotherapy, managed by experienced oncology nurses and medical professionals.

“The launch of our comprehensive cancer centre in Agartala is a profound realization of our commitment to bringing accessible, high-quality cancer care to every corner of India, especially to regions that have long faced infrastructural gaps,” stated Dr. Madhur Garg, Promoter Director, International Oncology Cancer Institute (IOCI) India. “Our vision extends beyond just providing treatment; its about instilling hope, fostering recovery, and ensuring that every patient receives compassionate, evidence-based care. The rapid uptake of our PET CT services, with over 300 scans performed in just six months, vividly demonstrates the pressing need and the trust the community has placed in us. With the addition of the ELEKTA SYNERGY radiotherapy unit, we are now fully equipped to offer a complete spectrum of advanced, affordable cancer treatments, reducing the burden of travel and expense for thousands of patients.”

IOCI Agartala, housed within ILS Hospitals, stands as a beacon of technological excellence in oncology. The centres diagnostic backbone is anchored by the GE Discovery IQ PET CT scanner, renowned for its superior image quality, speed, and dose efficiency. This cutting-edge imaging system provides highly precise metabolic and anatomical information, crucial for accurate cancer diagnosis, staging, and monitoring treatment response. The clarity and detail provided by the GE Discovery IQ ensure that clinicians have the most comprehensive data to formulate personalized treatment plans for each patient.

The introduction of the ELEKTA SYNERGY radiotherapy machine represents a significant leap in therapeutic capabilities. This linear accelerator integrates advanced imaging techniques, allowing for precise tumor targeting and real-time monitoring during radiation delivery. Its capabilities support various high-end techniques, including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), which are vital for treating complex cancers with optimal precision and minimal impact on surrounding healthy organs. This commitment to deploying such advanced technology at an affordable price point is a cornerstone of IOCI’s mission to make world-class cancer care equitable.

Dr. Ashvini Sengar, Promoter – Director, International Oncology Cancer Institute (IOCI) India, highlighted the synergistic impact of the partnership. “Our collaboration with ILS Hospitals in Agartala is a testament to our shared dedication to advancing healthcare in underserved regions. ILS Hospitals robust infrastructure, deep community roots, and unwavering commitment to patient well-being perfectly complement IOCIs specialized oncology expertise and advanced technological prowess. Together, we are creating a holistic cancer care ecosystem that not only delivers cutting-edge diagnostics and treatment but also prioritizes patient comfort, accessibility, and long-term support. This centre is a beacon of hope, bringing world-class cancer solutions closer to the homes of those who need it most in Northeast India.”

Dr. Pramod, Executive Director, International Oncology Cancer Institute (IOCI) India, emphasized the patient-centric approach and the broader impact of the new facility. “Our primary focus at IOCI Agartala is to deliver a seamless, empathetic, and effective cancer care journey for every individual. From the moment of diagnosis with our high-precision GE Discovery IQ PET CT, through personalized chemotherapy in our comfortable daycare, to the highly targeted radiation with ELEKTA SYNERGY, and expert surgical interventions, we have designed every aspect of this centre with the patient at its core. Our registration under the Ayushman Bharat scheme further underscores our dedication to accessibility, ensuring that a vast segment of the population can avail these life-saving treatments without financial distress. We believe that by integrating comprehensive care with advanced technology and affordability, we are not just treating a disease; we are building a healthier, more resilient community in Agartala and the entire Northeast region.”

The comprehensive range of services offered at the Agartala centre includes:

• PET CT Diagnostics: Utilizing the GE Discovery IQ for highly accurate cancer detection, staging, and recurrence monitoring.

• Medical Oncology (Chemotherapy): A dedicated chemotherapy daycare facility providing a comfortable and safe environment for systemic treatments, administered by highly skilled nurses and supervised by experienced oncologists.

• Radiation Oncology: State-of-the-art treatment planning and delivery with the ELEKTA SYNERGY linear accelerator, offering advanced techniques for precise tumor targeting.

• Surgical Oncology: Access to expert surgical interventions for various types of cancers, performed by skilled surgical oncologists.

• Tumor Board: A multidisciplinary approach where a team of specialists reviews each patient’s case to formulate the most effective and personalized treatment strategy.

The establishment of this first corporate comprehensive cancer centre in Agartala, through the IOCI-ILS Hospitals partnership, is more than just the opening of a medical facility; it is a strategic investment in the health and well-being of the region. It aims to curtail the need for patients to travel to distant metropolitan cities for advanced treatment, alleviating significant financial and emotional burdens on families. By providing comprehensive care under one roof, IOCI and ILS Hospitals ensure coordinated, efficient, and patient-friendly services.

The registration of the centre under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Government of India’s flagship health insurance program, is a pivotal step towards ensuring that financial barriers do not impede access to critical cancer treatments. This move will significantly benefit economically vulnerable sections of society, enabling them to receive high-quality care at IOCI Agartala, thereby reinforcing the nations commitment to universal healthcare.

International Oncology Cancer Institute India, in collaboration with ILS Hospitals, is poised to set new benchmarks in cancer care delivery in Northeast India. With its blend of advanced technology, expert medical professionals, and patient-centric philosophy, the Agartala centre is not just a hospital but a beacon of hope and healing, promising a future where cutting-edge cancer care is within reach for all.

About International Oncology Cancer Institute (IOCI) India

International Oncology Cancer Institute (IOCI) is a leading cancer care provider committed to delivering comprehensive, high-quality, and affordable oncology services. With a focus on adopting cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary approach, IOCI aims to establish a network of advanced cancer centres across India, bridging the gap in access to world-class cancer care.

About ILS Hospitals, Agartala

ILS Hospitals, Agartala, is a pioneering healthcare institution established in July 2008 with the support of the Government of Tripura. As a leading medical facility in the Northeast region, ILS Hospitals is dedicated to offering a wide range of healthcare services that meet international standards, committed to providing accessible and quality medical care to the community.

Avas, the trailblazer in wellness-led luxury living, is gearing up to open the doors to its much-anticipated Avas Wellness Center and Spa in mid-2026, a cornerstone in the brand’s expanding hospitality and wellness verticals. Nestled in the heart of Alibaug’s lush landscape, the center will offer a curated escape into stillness, healing, and intentional living.

Avas Wellness Center and Spa, Alibaug

Slated to open soon, the Avas Wellness Center and Spa is envisioned as a deeply restorative sanctuary offering integrative treatments that blend time-honoured traditions with contemporary therapies. From full-body massages and Ayurvedic consultations to guided mindfulness practices and recovery rituals, the space is designed to promote holistic well-being, drawing from both Eastern wisdom and modern science.

The center will feature a thoughtfully curated range of experiences designed to nourish body, mind, and spirit. Multiple therapy rooms will offer healing treatments rooted in traditional and modern wellness. A state-of-the-art gymnasium and Yoga and Pilates Studio will support strength, flexibility, and mindful movement. Guests can enjoy seasonal, wellness-focused cuisine at the farm to table restaurant, along with fresh blends from the juice bar. Grooming and self care are elevated through the Avas Salon and Beauty and Skin Clinic, offering cutting edge therapies. A leisure pool invites relaxation, while the immersive Room of Wonderment offers a multisensory journey into sound, scent, and stillness.

“The Avas Wellness Center and Spa will anchor our broader mission of creating spaces that support healing, longevity, and inner calm,” says Aditya Kilachand, Founder and CEO Avas Wellness. “It’s not just about luxury, it’s about living well, deeply and mindfully.”

The center forms part of Avas Wellness, the brand’s growing portfolio of wellness-focused experiences and lifestyle offerings. As part of its holistic vision, Avas has already introduced The Shop at Avas, a curated online retail platform that brings together wellness-forward products spanning clean beauty, nutrition, body care, and mindful living. Carefully chosen for efficacy, purity, and design, each product on The Shop at Avas reflects the brand’s ethos: rooted in nature, refined for modern living. The upcoming center will also house a physical store, bringing The Shop at Avas to life within its wellness ecosystem.

Adding a dynamic dimension to Avas’ hospitality vertical, is the Avas Racquet Club, an exclusive, members-only facility designed to inspire movement, recovery, and performance. The club features international-standard tennis, padel, and pickleball courts, a golf simulator, a cold therapy and sports recovery center, a high-performance gym, and even a soundproof meditation room, creating an environment where active living meets conscious restoration.

With the upcoming launch of its flagship Wellness Center and Spa, and the continued growth of its complementary platforms, Avas is redefining the landscape of wellness hospitality in India. From movement to mindfulness, from clean living to conscious indulgence, Avas is creating a new standard for those who seek balance, connection, and the luxury of feeling well.

The Construction Federation of India (CFI), a premier industry body representing India’s leading infrastructure and civil construction firms, successfully hosted its Flagship Conference 2025 on June 20 at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi. Themed “Redefining India’s Infrastructure Growth: Next-Gen Solutions for a Viksit Bharat,” the conference served as a high-impact platform for strategic dialogue, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, experts from global institutions, academia, and thought leaders to shape the future of Indias infrastructure landscape.

Lamp-lighting ceremony at CFI’s conference on “Redefining India’s Infrastructure Growth” held on 20th June 2025 at Le Meridien, New Delhi

Founded in 2000, CFI continues to play a pivotal role in enabling India’s infrastructure transformation through sustainable development, policy advocacy, and collaborative innovation.

Eminent panellists deliberating at CFI’s event “Next Gen Solutions for a Viksit Bharat” held on 20th June 2025 at Le Meridien, New Delhi

Inaugural Address: Vision for a Future-Ready India

In his welcome address, Mr. Vinayak Pai, President of CFI, emphasized the significance of the sector in nation-building and urged for greater collaboration to address ongoing industry challenges such as project delivery predictability, financing hurdles, safety, and technology adoption and help in driving transformational changes in the sector. He emphasized that every stakeholder has a crucial role in bringing the industry up to speed with other sectors and making it more technologically advanced and sustainable, ultimately contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

“India stands at the cusp of unprecedented infrastructure transformation. Our deliberations today will lay the groundwork for a resilient and future-ready infrastructure landscape – one that drives job creation, economic growth, and a better quality of life, in line with our national aspiration of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” Mr. Pai remarked.

Special Address by Dr. Surendra Kr Ahirwar

Dr. Surendra Kr Ahirwar, Executive Director (Traffic Commercial – Rates), Ministry of Railways, Government of India, commended CFI for curating a theme aligned with national priorities. He underscored the transformative role of the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, especially its geospatial platform for integrated infrastructure planning. Dr. Ahirwar advocated for infrastructure with a longer lifecycle and enhanced planning frameworks for sustainability and longevity. He emphasized on the critical role CFI has to play in the infrastructure development of the country.

Conference Highlights: Thought-Provoking Panel Sessions

Panel Session I – Emerging Trends in Infrastructure: The 4S Framework – Scale, Safety, Sustainability,Speed included deliberations from panelists – Mr. Rajiv Dhankher – Director (Project & Planning), DMRC, Mr. Rajan Sharma – Sr. Vice President, J Kumar Infraprojects, Mr. Vivek Agarwal – Partner & Public Infra Head, KPMG India, Mr. Saurabh Sood – Senior Transport Specialist, The World Bank and Moderated by Dr. Anil Kashyap, Director General, NICMAR

Key Insights: Mega-projects demand robust capacity building and integration of such challenges into academic curricula; Adoption of pre-cast technologies and sustainable materials will accelerate project execution and meet climate goals; Safety education must be institutionalized in construction training; Coordination and supply chain resilience are critical to effective delivery.

Panel Session II – Powering India’s Energy Transition: Towards Cleaner, Self-Reliant Energy included deliberations from panelists – Mr. Raj Kumar Chaudhary – CMD, NHPC Ltd., Mr. Venkat Muvvala – President & CBO, Jakson Infra, Mr. Ravichandra Reddy G – JGM & Head Operations East, L&T Renewable IC, Mr. Anindya Chowdhury – Former Country Head, Energy Transition, Shell India, Mr. Rohit Kumar – Partner, Deloitte and Moderated by Dr. Rajat Kathuria, Economist and former Director, ICRIER

Key Insights: India’s energy transition is central to achieving Paris Agreement goals and a Viksit Bharat; Urgent investment needed in storage solutions (battery & pumped hydro) to enable renewables; Transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure remains a critical bottleneck; Financial de-risking through blended finance and policy clarity essential for investor confidence; A self-reliant, indigenous approach to energy transition was emphasized involving upskilling of people, leveraging technology while raising awareness across the value chain.

Panel Session III – Industry 4.0: Digital Infrastructure, Semiconductors & Battery Manufacturing included deliberations from panelists – Mr. Makrand Dixit – Head Projects (Fab), Tata Electronics, Mr. John Sandeep – Sr. Chief Engineering Manager, L&T Construction, Mr. Anil Relan – Sr. VP, Jacobs Engineering India, Mr. Annurudha Kshatriya – GM, Invest UP, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, Ms. Sanna Arora – Vice President, Labotek Technologies and Moderated by Mr. PVG Menon, Former CEO, Electronics Sector Skills Council

Key Insights: India is witnessing a rapid rise in semiconductor demand, driven by AI, ML, and data sovereignty; States are offering customized incentives to complement central government’s semiconductor mission; The industry is embracing green energy and resource-efficient technologies to support sustainable operations; Skill development and global benchmarking are critical as plants being developed match international standards. Panel stressed on developing more prominent ecosystem of speciality chemicals and equipment in the country to enable quality and faster development of such mega facilities.

Closing Remarks by Ms. Preiti Patel, Treasurer, CFI

In her concluding address, Ms. Preiti Patel extended heartfelt thanks to all panellists, delegates, government officials, and partners for their contributions. She announced the upcoming launch of the CFI White Paper on “Policy Advocacy Issues Impacting the Infrastructure Construction Sector”, scheduled for September-October 2025.

“Our discussions today reflect the strength, unity, and vision of the infrastructure sector. With innovation, shared purpose, and continued policy support, we are poised to redefine India’s development trajectory,”Ms. Patel said.

About the Construction Federation of India (CFI)

Established in 2000, the Construction Federation of India (CFI) is the apex industry association representing the country’s leading civil engineering and construction companies, along with key ancillary players across the infrastructure construction ecosystem. CFI members are at the forefront of delivering transformative projects across vital sectors-including highways, bridges, tunnels, power plants, ports, airports, metro systems, and other nationally significant assets.

Recognized as a trusted voice of the industry, CFI collaborates closely with government ministries, regulatory bodies, policy think tanks, and international partners to advance a sustainable, future-ready infrastructure agenda. The Federation leads proactive efforts in policy advocacy, regulatory reform, and the integration of advanced technologies to improve project execution and sectoral efficiency.

With a strong focus on innovation, knowledge-sharing, and skill development, CFI plays a pivotal role in building India’s infrastructure capabilities-aligning with the national vision of a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive India on the road to Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Assent Inc., the global leader in supply chain sustainability management, today announced its expansion into India with the planned launch of its Innovation & Technology Center in Pune. This is a pivotal step in Assent’s global growth strategy to empower complex manufacturers with an AI-powered platform for sustainable, resilient supply chains-driven by data, guided by innovation, and powered by people.

Manoj C. Patil, MD and VP Engineering & Center Head along with his team at Assents India Innovation & Technology Center in Pune

Led by Manoj C. Patil, an expert in global data center management, the new center will drive regional product innovation, advanced analytics, and AI insights, while supporting 24/7 platform delivery and global customer service.

Pune was chosen after an exhaustive global site evaluation for its deep pool of technical talent, strong academic institutions, and thriving technology ecosystem. The city also offers proximity to several of Assent’s key customers, fostering effective collaboration and faster feedback loops.

The Pune center is designed to operate not as a standalone unit, but as an embedded part of Assent’s global capability network. Teams here will work in real time with colleagues across global teams, co-owning product roadmaps and accelerating innovation delivery.

Assent’s new center will focus on advancing sustainable supply chain solutions and developing tools for ethical sourcing, compliance, and sustainability reporting. It will also lead AI-powered risk intelligence and drive platform scalability to enhance user experience and accelerate innovation. These efforts will strengthen Assent’s core platform and help global manufacturers navigate growing regulatory demands and supply chain complexities.

“I’m excited to lead Assent’s expansion into India and help establish a center that reflects our commitment to purposeful innovation and global impact,” said Manoj C. Patil, VP – Engineering, Managing Director and Center Head, Assent India. “This is a pivotal step in scaling our mission, not just to build powerful technology, but to create solutions that enable manufacturers to operate more transparently, ethically and sustainably.”

Assent’s expansion into India is part of a larger strategy to support scalable, ethical, and future-ready operations. The India center will contribute significantly to the company’s innovation pipeline while reinforcing its core values, building with purpose, collaborating globally and growing responsibly.

The upcoming center is also envisioned as a sustainable workplace, aligned with Assent’s broader sustainability commitments and designed to support a high-performing, inclusive and mission-driven culture.

About Assent Inc

Assent provides the leading supply chain sustainability management solution and is on a mission to become the global platform of record for supply chain sustainability and compliance for complex manufacturers. Founded in 2010, Assent is the only company that unifies platform, people, and supplier intelligence to future-proof supply chains amid global disruption. Powered by AI, we enable faster, smarter compliance – from risk analysis to automated document review – while delivering unmatched speed, cost efficiency, and confidence. With a proprietary supplier engagement engine and deep regulatory expertise built into our platform and services, Assent helps customers navigate complexity, reduce risk, and accelerate growth.

Small cap funds can be a suitable option for investors with a long-term investment horizon who wish to invest in growing businesses. These funds typically invest in companies that are ranked 251st and beyond on the share market in terms of market capitalization as per SEBI guidelines. Although relatively smaller, these companies can have the potential to scale and tap into emerging markets in the Indian economy.

Who should invest in Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund

While being full of potential, small caps can come with their own set of limitations too. One of the most prominent ones is the risk and the instability attached to them. Small Cap funds are more sensitive to stock market changes compared to their counterparts. Hence, it is essential to devise a strategy that lets you leverage small cap funds while potentially limiting the impact of risks.

Here’s where the Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund comes into the picture, a fund that aims to capture the potential growth of the small cap space with a meticulous research-backed approach. In this article, we will explore the world of small caps space.

Investors with a long-term horizon
One of the key first decisions you should consider making in the beginning of your mutual fund investing journey, no matter the fund, is your investment horizon. Small cap funds comprise companies that usually take time to scale and deliver. Thus, it makes sense for an investor with a long-term investment horizon to invest in a small cap fund. As it can take a while for your funds to showcase results.

When you stay invested for a long time, not only do you allow your portfolio to potentially strengthen through market cycles, but also an opportunity to potentially gain market share.

Investors comfortable with market fluctuations
The small cap segment is built with companies that are often operating in niche markets this means that the price movements in these funds can be sharper as compared to large and mid cap categories. Another thing to note here is that small cap companies are more susceptible to market fluctuations.

Here, investors who have a higher risk appetite and are comfortable riding out market ups and downs may find small cap funds a suitable addition to their portfolio.

The Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund takes a quality-first approach to mitigate market volatility and selects businesses with strong fundamentals. However, even a quality portfolio can not be immune to short-term market movements.

Investors seeking exposure to high-growth opportunities
India’s economic landscape is creating a plethora of opportunities across sectors. Many of these trends are often led by smaller businesses who are category-leaders in their niche markets. By investing in companies like this, you can become a part of India’s growth story.

For those who want to diversify their equity allocation into potentially high-growth segments, this fund may serve as one of the components in their broader investment strategy.

Investors with a diversified equity portfolio
Small cap funds are typically used to enrich existing portfolios in large and mid cap segments. But due to their high volatility, they may not be suitable for a standalone investment.

You can consider adding the Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund to diversify your portfolio. With a layered approach like this, you can potentially benefit from small cap growth while potentially balancing the overall risk across your portfolio.

As with any investment in the equity space, diversification is essential. The aim here is not to offer concentrated exposure but to spread it across styles, sectors and companies.

Investors comfortable with active management
If you are comfortable with active management in your mutual fund, you can consider Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund. The experienced and research-oriented fund management team here uses Bajaj Finserv AMC’s propriety framework INQUBE to scan through the sector and identify suitable investment opportunities.

To be put simply, an active management portfolio allows your fund to be responsive to changes in the business cycle, sectoral shifts, valuations changes and other factors relevant to the small cap space.

Using a step-up approach to invest over time
A suitable way to invest in the small cap space is to stagger your investments. One way to do this is through a Systematic Investment Plan. An SIP helps you break down your investments in a way that lets you invest a fixed amount of money at regular intervals. This build investing discipline as well as consistency.

With the growing inflation and the changes in the market, an SIP might not be a one-stop solution for your investments. This is when you can consider a Step-up Systematic Investment Plan. In a step-up SIP, you gradually increase your SIP amount with time.

Using a step up SIP calculator can help you estimate how this strategy can potentially impact your overall investment value over a period.

This approach can work for investors who want to begin with a smaller amount and build their way up.

How to invest
You can invest in the Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund online through the official Bajaj Finserv AMC website or via authorised mutual fund distributors. Investments can be made through direct or regular plans. To learn more about the investment process, visit www.bajajamc.com.

Units will be available at a offer price of Rs. 10 per unit during the NFO period (June 27, 2025 – July 11, 2025).

Conclusion
The Bajaj Finserv Small Cap Fund may be suitable for investors looking to diversify into small cap equities with a long-term view, and who are comfortable with periods of volatility in exchange for the potential of higher growth. Its focus on quality, growth, and active stock selection may offer a balanced approach to investing in this segment.

Before investing, individuals are encouraged to assess their financial goals, risk profile, and investment horizon. Using tools like a step-up SIP calculator may also help plan contributions more effectively over time. As always, it is advisable to consult with a financial advisor to evaluate whether this fund fits into your broader investment strategy.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

Parimatch, the #1 global gaming platform, is bringing the thrill of instant gaming into the real world with the Parimatch Squad-a dynamic content series where Asian most popular influencers compete in physical versions of Parimatch’s most loved online games.

Elvish Yadav and His Parimatch Squad Buddies Make the Game Real

The Parimatch Squad, a powerhouse crew of influencers, streamers, and trendsetters, returns with a twist: this time, they’re not just playing offline but going head-to-head in a custom-built arena filled with unexpected challenges, unique games, and big wins.

Link to video: www.youtube.com/watchv=XqISkXvyxt8

The squad consists of digital icons like Elvish Yadav, Nazim Ahmed, Wasim Ahmad from Round2hell, and others. They all step out of their usual content zones to compete in offline versions of hit games like JetX, Coin Train, Fruit Box, and more.

“This is where fun meets fearless,” said the Parimatch Press Office. “The Parimatch Squad real-life gaming adventure transforms our most iconic instant games into real-world challenges. It’s fresh, exciting, and gives fans a whole new way to connect with influencers and the Parimatch experience.”

Picture This…

The elite crew of influencers diving into a full-blown Balloon Blast Showdown-racing to pop every balloon in their colour before the others even blink. Then it’s on to the giant Plinko wall, where one perfect drop could bring glory or total chaos. Things get wild with the Bungee Run, as influencers sprint forward strapped to cords, trying to stick fruit to a wall before being snapped back mid-air. Just when you think it can’t get crazier, they take on the Train Bogie Slide-balancing on rolling balls while riding a slide in a moving cart. And finally, it’s the epic JetX obstacle course-pilotsuits on, engines metaphorically fired, and adrenaline running high. It’s bold, unpredictable, and built for pure entertainment.

Best Part of the Adventure

The only thing more fun than watching the action… is being part of it. Tap this link, grab your exclusive bonus, and dive into Parimatch’s instant games yourself.

Each episode of the series will be streamed on YouTube, letting fans follow the action, cheer for their favourites, and enjoy influencer-driven content like never before. Viewers will also get exclusive behind-the-scenes access, bloopers, bonus rounds, and a front-row seat to every big win-and every epic fail.

Stay tuned on the official Parimatch Instagram page and follow top squad members, as this adventure is just getting started, and what’s next is going to be even bigger.

About Parimatch

Parimatch is the #1 global gaming platform that provides a complete suite of sports and online iGaming services to its customers. Since 1994, Parimatch has grown to be enjoyed by over 3,000,000 active users worldwide. It is trusted by the world’s top athletes and celebrities: cricket stars Nicholas Pooran and Sunil Narine, rap icon Divine, and MMA fighter Ritu Phogat are among its ambassadors. Parimatch is the Official Partner of the UFC, Regional Sponsor of the Argentine Football Association, and Title Sponsor of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Since 2019, Parimatch has been one of the leading iGaming brands in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Biz2X, a global SaaS lending platform and subsidiary of Biz2Credit, has announced the onboarding of KreditVenture, a fast-growing new age NBFC in India to offer its AI-powered digital lending platform. With this development, Biz2X will equip the NBFC with an end-to-end digital lending product suite embedded with state-of-the-art and first of its kind AI capabilities for faster, consistent and intelligent credit distribution.

L to R: Jaspreet Singh, Co-Founder of KreditVenture; Saif Hasan, Founder & CEO of KreditVenture; Pankaj Sharma, Chief Revenue Officer of Biz2X

With its aggressive growth plans, KreditVenture will deploy Biz2X’s AI enabled solutions to scale up their LAP, Used Commercial Vehicle Finance, and Used Car Loans Finance.

KreditVenture will benefit from Biz2X’s groundbreaking AI-led solutions, including the Agentic AI Bot for automating credit underwriting and loan sanctions, thereby improving their turnaround time by over 50%. Biz2X’s proprietary alternate scoring model – the Biz Analyzer, will offer KreditVenture a superior and more accurate assessment of applications where traditional underwriting is challenging due to lack of information.

Biz2X’s groundbreaking solution, the Digital Site Visit application will lead to significant reduction in operational and customer acquisition costs arising out of field, collateral, and site visits. More importantly, it will eliminate frauds related to site visit, the bottlenecks created due to delays in site visit and improve the turnaround time of processing loan applications.

Mr. Saif Hasan, Founder and CEO of KreditVenture, said, “There is a Strategic Shift towards Secured Lending in India and digitisation will be the key differentiator. With ground breaking new age AI suite of Biz2X, we will leverage the technological edge in our high touch and high-tech model as we serve India’s credit needs. Their AI-powered digital lending platform will enhance our underwriting capabilities, enable faster, data-led credit decisions, optimize costs, and scale with confidence as we remain committed to empowering Bharat with access to credit.“

Mr. Rohit Arora, Co-Founder and CEO of Biz2Credit and Biz2X, said, “KreditVenture’s vision to adopt next-gen AI-enabled lending technology aligns seamlessly with our mission to revolutionize lending in India. As the digital lending landscape undergoes a paradigm shift with AI at its core, our advanced platform will empower KreditVenture to move beyond static financial data and adopt intelligent, scalable, and inclusive lending infrastructure that is built on end-to-end automation and real-time decisioning.”

The partnership is another step forward in strengthening Biz2X’s growing footprint as a strategic technology partner in India, for digitizing and scaling lending operations for financial institutions and highlights the increasing demand for integrated, AI-powered digital lending solutions.